Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor Cambodia

This intimate luxury hotel, in the heart of Siem Reap, has 59 elegant suites that artfully blend traditional Khmer style with contemporary design. Surrounded by towering palms and tropical greenery, the pool is a serene haven from the heat and hubbub of the city.

Location

The hotel is in a prime riverside location, just a 10-minute stroll from shops and restaurants and a 10-minute drive from the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Style & character

As soon as you cross the lotus-filled moat, the buzz of tuk-tuks is swapped for rustling palms, fragrant frangipani and vibrant bougainvillea. The design of the hotel borrows from Khmer culture, from the vast, cathedral-high beamed lobby, bookended with outsized Asian-inspired paintings from Christian Develter, to the suites blending traditional materials – hardwoods, bamboo, silk – with contemporary design.

Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor via Traveller Made

Service & facilities

Service is efficient without being stuffy. The centrepiece is an enticing saltwater pool, guarded by an Angkorian stone lion and edged by lush vegetation on one side and parasol-shaded loungers on the other. As well as a straw hat and fan, you’ll get a poolside care basket, including high-factor sun cream. There’s a small gym and an impressive range of treatments at the sleek Kong Kea Spa, along with a steam room, sauna and Zen-like relaxation pool. Guests can take advantage of the complimentary daily activities such as tours of galleries with a local, or a blessing from saffron-robed Buddhist monks. Bicycle tours and half-day cooking classes can also be arranged.

Bar

Fitness centre

Laundry

Pool

Restaurant

Room service

Sauna

Spa

Steam room/hammam

Wi-Fi

Rooms

Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor via Agoda

Suites are light, bright and generously sized. King-sized beds scattered with silk cushions sit on bamboo mats on polished wood floors, and large prints from Cambodian photographers adorn the walls. There’s a day bed, separate dressing room and the marble bathrooms come with twin sinks, egg-shaped bathtubs and walk-in rain showers. All suites have outside space: Junior Suites have a small balcony, while the ground-floor Garden Junior Suites come with a secluded double-daybed and direct access to the pool.

Food & drink

The nightly buffet – including free-flowing wine, beer and soft drinks – at the indoor-outdoor Spice Circle is a great place to try Khmer cuisine. A spread of ‘hawker-style’ classic dishes are laid out, such as green papaya salad, beef lok lak and fish amok, as well as lobster, crab, just-caught fish and meat (which is grilled in front of you). The breakfast buffet is equally expansive, with tempting pastries, a variety of fresh juices, eggs-to-order and local noodle soups.

Poolside Ember is the place for all-day Asian cuisine and international light bites with a Latin twist (the executive chef hails from Mexico) – perhaps spring rolls, fish tacos or wood-oven pizza. The best place for a pre- or post-dinner drink is the second-floor, dimly lit, open-sided Martini Lounge, with its gently whirring ceiling fans, extensive wine list and creative martinis, including one version which is muddled with basil and lemongrass.